Rear Naked Choke
- BJJ
- Back Attacks
- fundamental
- Back control
- 3 steps
The highest-percentage finish in grappling: slide an arm across the throat from the back and squeeze. Also known as the RNC, the Mata leão or the Hadaka-jime. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Use the rear naked choke once you have back control with the seatbelt and both hooks in. Slide the choking arm across as they turn their chin or reach to defend the hooks. Chain it with the bow and arrow in the gi when they guard the neck.
Step by step
- 01
Back control
Seatbelt grip and both hooks in, chest tight to their back.
- 02
Slide the arm across the throat
Slide your choking arm across the front of the neck until the elbow lines up with the chin.
- 03
Lock & squeeze
Place that hand on your other biceps, the second hand behind their head, and squeeze your elbows together.
Key details
- Get the elbow centred under the chin so the arms close on the arteries.
- Hand behind the head adds the squeeze. Do not push the head forward only.
- Keep chest pressure and hooks in so they cannot turn out.
Common mistakes
- Choking across the chin/face instead of the neck.
- Flaring the elbows instead of squeezing them together.
- Losing the hooks and letting them turn in.
Common counters
Opponents tuck the chin, fight the choking hand with both hands, and slide their hips to the mat to turn in. Losing a hook lets them escape. Keep chest pressure and both hooks before you finish.
How to drill it
From back control, slide the arm across, lock and finish slowly, ten reps on each side. Then do three rounds of one minute where your partner defends the neck and you fight the hands.
Related techniques
Train it with the AI coach